Author’s Note

Fare: to be successful or unsuccessful in a certain situation; how well or poor something doesDamn: cursedFaint: not strong; not easily seen or heard or smeltTrapeze artist: a person who performs in a circus; wosewera masewero ododometsa olimbitsa thupiCircus: a group of entertainers who perform acts in a show that travels around to different places; gulu la anthu, nyama, ndi zina zochita zionetsero zosiyanasiyanaGangly: tall, thin, and awkward in their movementsVanish: disappear quickly; kusowa modzidzimutsa osaonekansoFiasco: something that does not succeed in a way that causes embarrassment, disaster; kuupondaRestless: unable to stay still or be happy where you are because you are bored or need a change; kusakhazikikaIllogical: something done without any thought or reason; kuchita zotsutsana ndi za nzeruStint: a period of time that you spend working somewhere or doing a particular activityBamboozle: to cheat, to confuse someone by tricking them“For the sake of something or someone”: to do something for someone or somethingTransform: change; kusandutsaEssence: the most important quality or feature of something that makes it what it isBoot: a quick, hard kick; to be kicked out of somethingSputter: when an engine, lamp, or fire makes a lot of short explosive soundsPeculiar: strange or unusual; kuchilendoRuddy: looking red and healthyPractically: almost, very nearly; in a realistic wayMap out: to plan; kukonzekeraGrand: impressive and large or important; kuchikuluGripping: exciting or interesting in a way that keeps your attentionAuthenticity: the quality of being genuine or true, not a copy or imitation; eni eni, kusakhala cha bodzaCrackling: a series or sharp sounds, the sound a charcoal fire makes/popping noiseTension: feelings of unfriendliness between people, anxiety or conflict; kulimbanaPester: to botherCrux: the most important part of a problem or issue; mfundo yofunika kwambiriGlum: sad and quietDisheartened: to lose hope or confidence, discouraged; kudetsa mtimaTolstoy: a famous Russian authorPurveyor: a person or company that supplies somethingMiracle: an act or event that doesn’t follow the laws of nature and is believed to be caused by God; chozizwaAmidst: in the middle of something; m’katiSue: to make a claim against someone in court about something they have done to harm you; kudulira chisamaniKierkegaard: a famous philosopherAnecdote: a short, interesting story about a real person or eventInconsequent: not important, trivial, having no consequenceClung: past tense of the verb “cling” – to hold onto very tightlyWhirl: to move around quickly in a circle, spin; kuli phuteIdentical: exactly the same; kufanana kwambiriSpry: full of life and energy, lively; kumoyo wa mphamvu, machawiSuspicious: feeling that someone has done something wrong, illegal, or dishonest without having proof; kukaikitsaTall order: asking a lot of someone, demanding muchHesitate: to be slow to speak or act because you feel uncertain or nervous; kuchita mphwayiAmusement: entertainment; chisangalaloTrace: to track down, to look carefully for something, to find the origin or cause of somethingIncense: a substance burned in ceremonies that smells good; libanoDiary: a journal that is filled out every dayObscurely: in a way that is not well known, difficult to understand; kuvuta kuzimetsaConsiderable: large in amount, size, or importance, significant; kutanthauzoBoundless: without limits, seeming to have no endExemplary: providing a good example for others to follow; kuchitsanzoImagination: the ability to create pictures in your mind or the part of your mind that does this; chiyerekezoCrude: simple and not very accurate but giving a general idea of something, made simply; kupanda fungo

Chapter 1

Toronto: a large city in CanadaPondicherry: a city in India

Gloomy: sadWrought: broughtIntrospective: tending to think a lot about your own thoughts and feelingsZoology: the scientific study of animalsAspects: parts, characteristics, componentsUnderestimate: to fail to guess or understand the true size, cost, or difficulty of something; kudelera, kuyerekeza mochepetsaAcuity: intelligenceIndolence: lazinessProject: to put characteristics of one thing onto another thingRepose: restYogis: spiritual mastersHermits: people who live alone and do not come in contact with other peopleProbing: looking for, seekingMuddled: messy, unclearThrall: extreme excitement about somethingTrifling: unimportantTemperament: a person’s general mood; chikhalidwe cha munthu chomwe chimachititsa kuti akondwe kapena akwiyeOblivion: nothingness; kuyiwalidwaNoose: a rope you use to tie around your neck to kill yourself/commit suicideInverted: upside-downTinged: tinted, marked with a little of somethingUnceremoniously: informal, all of a suddenIncoherent: not able to be understood

Chapter 2

Flitting: moving quickly

Chapter 3

Ludicrous: absurd, nonsensical, preposterous; uchitsiruFlailing: waving without control, flappingUnenthusiastic: not excited or enthusiastic about somethingAquatic: related to waterGuru: expertTantrum: a fit of angerSufficiently: enoughVivid: very bright or clearDignified: honourable, distinguished, worthy of respectSalvage: to save what remainsMagnificent: outstanding, superb, gloriousEpic: momentous, large in size or importanceGruelling: very difficult, usually physicallyHypnosis: being in a state when someone else is controlling your mindMolten: melted, very hotBeckoned: called for, called uponLore: folktales, traditional stories/knowledgeConspiratorial: secretly planning something with othersDingy: dirty, not cleanArtesian: hand-madeRuffled: messy, not looking sharpGushed: poured out of, overflowed

Chapter 4

Incessant: without stopping (usually in a negative way)Profusion: abundanceFlutter: to flap back and forth quickly (eyelashes, butterfly)Shrill: high pitchedTurnstile: gateUnruly: not able to be controlledSaunter: walking in a confident/pompous wayFrankly: stating something honestly, not holding back, abandoning politeness

Deviant: breaking the rules or norms or customsRepressed: held back, not expressed freelyFrenzied: frantic, chaotic, hystericalDepraved: without moralsLasciviousness: nyere, chibabaAffront: insult, disrespectLuxuriant: fertile, rich, lushMenagerie: zooCount upon: to trust that someone will do somethingPunctuated: interrupted, disrupted by somethingBenevolent: goodExcrete: to dispose of, kuyangalaDiscordant: conflicting, disagreeingIridescent: shimmering, like when light hits waterStately: grand, dignified, majestic (like a king)Obese: very fatSenile: very old, forgetful, absentmindedLeisurely: at a comfortable pace, not working hardConvey: illustrate, express, put across a pointRaiments: clothesManifold: many, abundantMisinformed: having incorrect informationStupefy: stun, make someone very confused or unable to moveCallisthenic: exerciseOverindulge: to take too much of something, gluttonyTenderly: softly, with affectionDashed: destroyedYearn: to long for, want somethingCompulsion: the need to do something, like you cannot control itReactionary: opposing change, conservativeFlaunting: pompous, showyHappenstance: by chance, by luck, coincidence; chochitika panthawi imodzi koma mosachita kukonzekeredwaHerald: a signSummon: to call for, beckon (someone)Evicted: kicked out, forced to live the place where you stayScoundrel: kamberembereRelentless: without stoppingImperative: something that must be done, demandAvoidance: dodging, escaping, avoidingProximity: closeness, nearnessInfested: filled with pestsCompress: squeezeNoteworthy: worthy of praise or recognitionRespective: correspondingDiscernment: judgment, wisdomCoincidence: chochitika panthawi imodzi koma mosachita kukonzekeredwaLegions: groups, a multitudeRemedy: solution, cureBolt: to leave quickly, immediately“To be in good graces”: to be liked, considered worthyIllusion: kukhulupira monamaPlague: to infect, cause something to be bad

Chapter 5

Guffaw: a loud laughProfoundly: in a meaningful or deep wayWaft: to fanContrary: againstLinger: to stay around without a purpose, hang aboutCompact: smallParched: very thirstyPrecise: exact

Distorted: inaccurate, not truthful or honestImperceptible: not able to be perceived or sensedModulations: changes, variationsWearily: with much tiredness“to follow in one’s footsteps”: to do the same thing as someone afterthey have done it (generational)“to be in someone’s shadow”: to have your accomplishments be seen asinferior to someone else’s“to make waves”: to make a positive impactPersecuted: oppressed, teasedSuspicious: not to be trustedExecution: carrying something out, doing somethingMnemonic: using letters to stand for something like MVEMJSUNP (planets)Stunt: an act, a trick, a showEmblazoned: written onScreech: to screamCrescendo: increasing; kukweza moyo kapena mawuIntake: what is taken in, usually foodRousing: inspiring, movingRendition: version, performanceVigour: strength, intensityAspiring: wanting to becomeElusive: not easy to catchIrrational: something that doesn’t make sense or is done without any thought or reason; kuchita zotsutsana ndi za nzeruRefuge: sanctuary, shelter, safe place

Chapter 6

Zesty: spicySubtle: not obvious; kuvuta kuchimvetsaAbruptly: suddenly, without warning

Chapter 7

Communist: a person who supports having a society without social classes where the workers own the “means of production” (farms, factories, etc)Jowls: loose skin under the jawAvowed: promised, sworn, declaredUrge: desire, strong wish, impulseStethoscope: the tool used by doctors to hear someone’s heart rateRefreshed: reenergized, rejuvenated, feeling freshTeeter/totter: to walk in a way that you move back and forth and you look like you are going to fall downStop-gap: something intended for temporary use that will be replaced when something better is foundAccustomed: used to; kudya zolowera, kulowezaMarvellously: wonderfully, like a miracleInseparable: not able to be separatedIndicate: to point out, show, mark for someone else to see; kusonyezaBroadly: widelyPuzzled: confused; kudodomaGrounds for: reason forIntellect: the ability to understand and think in an intelligent wayRacked with: tortured by, suffering fromAkin: similar toImmobility: the inability to move

Chapter 8

Trade: business, professionObituary: a report, especially in a newspaper, which gives the news of someone's death and details about their lifeVenerable: deserving respect because of age or high social statusTorment: great physical pain or sufferingInflict: to force someone to experience something painful, to causeProffer: to offer something to someone by holding it outIndecency: offensive/bad/immoral behavior

Bizarre: very strange; kudabwitsa kwambiriFreak: an unusual or strange personDeranged: mentally disturbed; kusokonezeka bongoSadist: a person who gets pleasure from hurting others; wankhanzaPly: to travel throughVanish: disappearNab: to catch or arrest someone who is doing something wrongPlacid: calm; kukhuzumukaFlustered: to make someone nervous or confused’ kusokonezaVigilance: being careful to notice any signs of danger or trouble; tcheruEnteritis/Gastritis: an illness of the stomachHemorrhagic: bleeding a lot, flooding or overflowingPutrid: decaying and smelling very bad; kuolaConvince: to make yourself believe that something is true, to persuade someone; kuzindikiritsaDeed: a thing that someone does; mchitidweEager: very excited by something, willing; chikhumbohumbo chachikuluRegularly: something that happens again and again; nthawi ndi nthawiRedoubtable: something worthy of fear and respect because it is very strong or powerfulAmbush: the act of hiding and waiting for someone and then making a surprise attack on themVicious: showing a desire to hurt someone; mtudzuInflame: to cause anger in a personIre: angerManiac: a mad person; munthu wamisalaObsession: when a person’s mind is completely filled with thoughts of one particular thing; kuzoloweraBane: something that causes trouble and makes people unhappyEssentially: in a way that holds true to the basic nature of somethingSet off: to make someone start doing something, triggerConscience: the part of your mind that tells you whether actions are right or wrong; kusiyanitsa zabwino ndi zoipaFlushed: red facedUnruffled: not bothered, calmGlance: a quick look at someoneImplore: to beg someone for somethingSigh: to take a long deep breath that can be heard in order to show that you are disappointed, sad, or tired; kupuma kokoka mpweya wambiri kusonyeza kukhumudwa kapena kutopaSet out: to begin a journeyMoat: a body of water that surrounds something to protect itVast: very largeDim: dark, hopelessCavern: cave; phangaHumid: warm and damp; mpweya ndi wamadziDetained: kept in an official place and prevented from leaving; kuchedwetsaLope: to run taking long relaxed stepsSnarl: to make a deep angry noise in the throat while showing teethFierce: angry and aggressive in a frightening wayQuaking: shaking, tremblingSearing: so strong and intense that it seems to burn youPacing: walking back and forth anxiouslyTo and fro: uko ndi kunoBellow: to shout in a loud deep voice because you are angryUnison: doing something together or at the same time; kuchitira pamodziBlindingly: extremelyOutburst: a sudden strong expression of emotion, usually angerObvious: easy to understand or see, clear; kuchidziwikireVigorously: in an energetic, enthusiastic way; molimbaAnthropomorphize: treating animals as if they have human qualitiesMenacing: threatening; moopsezaFancy: something that you imagine, a fantasyConscious: aware ofDeliberately: with intention, on purpose; mwadalaTame: not afraid of people and used to living with themDelude: to make someone believe something that isn’t true, to deceiveFerocious: very aggressive, violent, or strongArrested: stopped

Flank: the side of an animalOrb: an object shaped like a ballScramble: to move quicklyBleat: to make the sound of a goatSimulate: to recreate conditions found in real life; kutengeraDaub: to spread a substance on something, like paintIn hysterics: feeling extreme fear, excitement, or anger that makes someone lose control of their emotionsIncensed: very angryTremulous: shaking, nervous, fearfulContrite: very sorry for something that you have doneHuddled: crowded aroundSplatter: to spread or throw liquid carelesslyCarrion: dead animalsDismember: to cut or tear apart the dead body of somethingTrample: to step on something, to crush itFrantically: done in a quick, disorganized wayTensely: in a worried or anxious wayDomesticated: animals that are used to living with humansSulk: to look angry and refuse to speak because you are upset; kulundaUnspecified: not stately clearlySubsequent: happening or coming after something else; kutsatira

Chapter 9

Trigger: to make something happen suddenlyCease: to stop, endGauge: to measure the level of something; kuyezaScurry: to run with quick, short stepsDiminish: to reduce; kuchepetsaAfford: to provide with, giveFuss: unnecessary anger; phokosoKeep someone down: to depress someoneIntuitive: known through feelings or emotions rather than facts; chibawidweKeen: clever, acute, intense, strongHave a knack for: to be gifted at something or talented at itAttentive: paying attention

Chapter 10

Imitation: a copy of something; chongoyerekezeraDisrepute: loss of respectProne: likely toSubjective: based on your own opinions rather than factual information; kungoganizaInexplicable: unable to be explainedDetractor: a person who tries to make something seem less good by criticizing itIntrusion: the act of entering a space where you are not wantedStartling: extremely surprisingSurmise: to guess or suppose something based on the evidence you haveConstitutional: related to the body’s ability to stay healthy, be strong, and fight illnessReckoned: to be considered to be true

Chapter 11

Hinted: suggested in an indirect wayMatrimonial: related to marriageStrife: conflict, tension, sufferingIn their midst: among themUproar: a protestAbsconding: running away and hidingFit in: to belong in a groupLaughable: silly, not worth taking seriously

Chapter 12

Agitated: bothered, annoyed; kuvindulaBob: to move up and down on the surface of waterDollop: a scoop of something; nthongoShrivel: to become dry and wrinkled and smaller“beet red”: as red as a beetGroan: to make a long deep sound because you are annoyed or upsetAgony: extreme pain

Chapter 13

Assured: guaranteed, confident that something will happenAmply: in abundanceInvade: to enter a place without permission or an invitation;Notion: ideaReinforce: to say again, to emphasize an ideaQueer: strange, oddPay dearly: to face serious consequencesUnwittingly: without intentionHostile: aggressive, with bad intentionsRank: position in a hierarchyAnarchy: chaosJumpy: worried, jittery, tenseBrute: involving physical strength onlyIntimidate: to make someone afraid, threatenWell versed: familiar with, knowledgeable aboutBrawn: physical strengthAscendancy: dominance, being the most importantErect: standing up straight, uprightSteady: consistentGaze: stare

Chapter 14

Amenable: easy to control, willing to be influencedCompliant: too willing to obey other people or rulesFerocity: viciousness, powerCantankerous: bad tempered and always complainingSubordinate: a person who is under another person’s authorityStrenuous: very difficult, usually in a physical wayResourceful: good at finding ways of doing things and solving problems;Phenomenon: a fact or event from nature or society

Chapter 15

Simpatico: pleasant, easy to likeTumbling: falling down in a clumsy waySanctum: a holy placeCosmic: connected with the whole universeChoreographic: in a way that is coordinated like a danceShrine: an altar that is built specifically for worshipPhallic: appearing like a penisStump: the end of something that has been cut offPedestal: the base for a statueWilt: to lose strength or life as when a flower dies and starts bending to the groundIntricately: in a very detailed or complicated way

Chapter 16

In limbo: in an uncertain condition where someone is unable to decide what to doVeteran: a person with a lot of experience at something, they have done it beforePropel: to cause something to move forward

Sultriness: humidity, heatExaltation: adoration, praisePatter: tapping or beating like a drumPierce: to cut through, penetrateSignify: to mean, show, suggest, or indicate somethingReverent: respectful and humbleSanctified: holyHallowed: holyRite: a religious ceremonySustaining: nourishing, continuous, supportingDecorative: used as decorationDiscern: to see clearly, distinguish from something elseFinite: limitedInfinite: unlimitedPilgrimage: religious journey to a holy placeShed: to lose parts of somethingSheath: a protective covering“A plague upon”: a wish that someone or something is destroyed or will sufferFundamentalist: a person who interprets a religious book in a literal wayLiteralist: a person who takes everything literallyCrackle: to make a popping noise as when lighting charcoalPossessive: very protective of possessions, not wanting to shareFoster mother: a woman who adopts a childSlip: to make a mistake

Chapter 17

Villain: antagonist, a bad or evil personOrdinary: common, not special“Rub shoulders with”: to spend time with someoneMonsoon: very heavy rainsLethargy: tiredness, fatigue, lazinessSun: to sit in the sunDare: to be brave enough to do something dangerous or very difficultUnremittingly: endlessly, without stopping, continuousUnrevealing: not revealing or showingFortress: a safe and well protected placePlainly: clearly, obviouslyVestibule: small roomEvidently: based on what can be seen, obviouslyPresume: believe, assume, guess without evidenceSerene: peaceful, calmResignation: giving up, quitting“To be moved”: to be affected by something emotionallyTerrified: very frightenedAppease: to satisfy a person’s demandsCharismatic: charming, having the ability to influence other people and attract their attentionTorture: to cause severe pain and discomfort in another personSeverity: harshness, crueltyTinkle and rattle: to make small tapping noises repeatedlyTo be fond of: to like somethingIntolerable: unbearable, not able to be toleratedAtone: to repent and do something to make it betterDownright: absolutely, completelyWeird: strange, bizarre, not normalPrologue: the introduction to somethingAdversity: difficulty, challenges, struggleUsurper: a person who takes over someone else’s role without deserving or earning itReversal: a switch in direction to the opposite way you were originally goingTreachery: disloyalty, treason, betrayalHumiliation: feeling embarrassedConsent: to agree to“to boot”: in addition, on top of everything else

Mortal: a being that is capable of dyingDivinity: holiness, spiritualityBlight: disease, blemishAvatar: something standing in place of something elseTantamount: of the highest importanceSham: imitation, something pretending to be something elseResurrect: to bring back from the deadTainted: marked, poisoned, pollutedStench: a very bad smellDeportment: manner, behavior“in sport”: as a joke, not seriouslyDisguised: purposefully appearing to be something elseIncarnated: brought to lifeRunt: the smallest in a groupPuny: tiny, very smallNetherworld: hellGrow: to becomeLong-faced: sadSlouch: to have bad posture so that your back is not straightSpindly: thin, skinnyTranscend: to move beyond metaphorically speaking (not literally)Heckle: to make fun of, tease, harassSplurge: to overindulge in something, to be gluttonousLament: to regret having done somethingObscure: not well known, difficult to understandConfines: borders, limitsDoodles: drawings done for fun, not seriouslyStage fright: being fearful of being the center of attentionManifest: displayed, shown, obviousStinginess: the quality of not being generous, guarding your money“stick to”: to continue with or keepUtterly: completely, totallyCompelling: convincingAnnoyance: something that bothers someoneIndignation: outrage, angerPetulant: childish, immaturePeeved: bothered, annoyedWither: to wilt or become smaller“to strike someone”: to be surprised by somethingRush: to move in a hurryFrenzy: lack of control, chaosInnumerable: unable to be numbered or counted, infinitePlacidly: calmlyBustle: many people moving about in one place, like at Dyeratu on market day“rush hour”: the hour of the day when traffic is the worst because everyone is going somewhere at the same timeDizzying: confusing, causing you to feel dizzy“to turn on a dime”: to change instantly, without warningSwift: quick, fast, in one motionSwallow: a type of birdThump: to hit or bump

Chapter 18

Inscribed: written uponFaçade: the outer surface of a buildingVarious: many, differentUnfold: to occur, happenMinaret: a towerDwelling: a houseStiffly: unbending, in an inflexible wayStartled: shocked, frightenedBurst out: to exclaim or to leave quicklyFlimsy: not stable, not very well supported and able to bend easily

Entailed: included, describedUnfurl: to expand, roll outIncongruous: not related or connected, not belongingMutter: to say in a soft voiceYoga: an Indian form of mental and physical exercise that focuses on creating inner peaceStriking: shocking, memorable, distinct

Chapter 19

“To light up” (eyes): to be filled with interest or excitementDevotion: dedication, commitment to something

Chapter 20

Mystic: a spiritual person who dedicates his/her life to connecting with GodEncounter: a meeting that happens by chance and not on purposeRemarkable: special, noteworthyPious: strongly believing in religion, devotedDevotee: a person who is devoted to a certain thingAfflicted: suffering from somethingGuttural: a noise coming from the back of the throat and sounding very deepEruption: explosionBrook: a small riverSpell: a period of timeHovel: a small home that is dirty and in bad conditionParadoxical: a situation that seems impossible or is difficult to understand because it contains two opposite factsBlissful: full of happinessKith and kin: people you are connected with, usually familyCoincide: to happen at the same time or be similarSquint: to partly close your eyes so you can see more clearlySupremely: extremely, veryRegal: royal, suitable for a king or queen

Chapter 21

Factuality: how factual something is, the degree to which something is based on evidenceElation: happinessRealization: the moment when you start to understand somethingFounding: fundamental, the basis for somethingPrinciple: a basic idea or rule that explains how something happens or worksNonetheless: despite/not influenced by what has just been said or doneIneluctably: in a way that is impossible to avoidConfounded: confused, surprisedUltimate: most extreme or important

Chapter 22

Deathbed: the bed that someone dies in“a leap of faith”: taking a risk because you have faith that it will work out

Chapter 23

Alas: used to express sadness or feeling sorry about somethingSpell: to explain or indicateBemused: confused a little bitFate: destiny; what happens to a person; a power that some people causes and controls all events so that you can’t change or control how things will happenStroll: a leisurely walkBrisk: quickDevout: very dedicatedConverge: to come together or meet at the same pointSink: to go down below the surface of waterGently: in a soft, nice, or calm way

Orthodox: beliefs that are traditional, normal, or acceptable by most peopleSecular: not connected to religionExistential: connected to the philosophy of “existentialism,” which emphasizes that an individual is free and totally responsible for determining their own futureAlien: strange and not familiar; coming from a different culture, race, or countryRock: to move back and forthEpidemic: the appearance of a disease in a large number of people at the same timeMum: quiet, silentNeutral: not taking sides; not saying or doing anything that will influence one of the groups involved in an argument or warUpbringing: childhood, how a person is raisedImpious: showing no respect for religionDevour: to consume totallySlumber: sleepAwkward: difficult to do or deal with, embarrassingIncredulous: not wanting to believe somethingAstounded: shocked, surprisedAssert: to say that something is definitely trueAvert: to avoid something or prevent it from happeningEarnestly: in a dedicated or determined wayIdolater: someone who worships idolsAskance: to look at someone with doubt, disapproval, or without trustBalderdash: something that is stupid or not true; bodzaStray: to travel on a path that was not originally intended; to go in a different direction than you plannedSnap: to say something suddenly in an angry wayCivilized: having a well-developed society with fair and moral customsNonsense: an idea or behaviour that is ridiculous, silly, or stupid; something that does not make senseEpileptic: suffering from epilepsy, which is a disease that causes a person to move uncontrollably in violent waysDally: to waste time or do something slowlyProvoke: to cause a reaction, especially a negative oneChime in: to say your opinion or thoughtsFlunky: a servantHiss: to say something in an angry wayInterject: to say something while another person is speaking, interruptApoplectic: extremely and obviously angryEmphasize: to show that something is very important, to make something more obvious or easy to seeSpontaneous: unplannedPiety: strong belief in religion, dedicationKeen on: interested in, eager, wanting to do something very muchMurmur: to say something very quietlyNudge: to push someone gently, usually with the elbow, to get that person’s attentionEmbarrassment: a feeling shy, awkward, guilty, or anxious, usually because someone or something has made you look stupidContagious: easily spread, caught by someone like a diseaseImpish: showing a lack of respect typical of a child, causing troubleTwinkle: the shining of a light that changes from bright, to dark, to bright again very quicklyIntent: determination to do something, motivationReprimand: to tell someone that you disapprove of his/her actions, chastisePerplexed: very confused

Chapter 24

Mockery: the act of mocking or teasing something/someonePecker: slang for penisLampoonery: mockery (making fun of something/someone)

Chapter 25

“Take it upon oneself”: to take the initiative to do something, to start doing something without being askedDeformed: having a shape that is not normal because of a developmental problemLeprosy: a disease that destroys a person’s skinSlight: an action or statement that insults someone by not treating them with the respect he/she deservesMightily: with great effortAstonishing: amazing, unbelievableResolve: a person’s strong determination or will

Oaf: a stupid, rude, or awkward personShoo: to say something to make a person or animal go away; like saying “choka”Hushed: quiet, hard to hearTreason: the crime of being disloyal to your country, betrayalDignity: the value that a person hasDepravity: the state of being morally bad or evil

Chapter 26

“Taken aback”: shocked, surprisedFurrowed: marked by lines or wrinklesTactic: a strategy for doing something, a planHover: to stay in one place in the air above somethingZeal: great enthusiasm or eagernessMystery: a thing that cannot be understood or explained

Chapter 27

Overhear: to hear what other people are saying without trying to and without those people knowing that you are listening“On the cusp”: the start of somethingReincarnation: the belief that a person’s spirit returns to another body after he/she diesAffectionate: showing feelings of liking or lovingPhase: a stage or period of time in a process of development

Chapter 28

Glow: to produce a light that radiatesImmediate: happening without delay or right after something else, very near to or close toIndication: a signExtremity: the furthest point from the centerCozy: comfortable and warmSecluded: isolated, very far from other people and thingsAviary: a large cage where birds are keptStonily: in a cold and unkind wayTrickle: to flow very slowly

Chapter 29

Uproot: to remove a person from their original home or environmentHorizon: the line where it seems like the sky meets the earthFormality: something that must be done because of tradition or official requirementGather: to collect or to knowFurrow: lines on your foreheadSnippet: a small piece of information or newsTwitter: when a bird makes a series of small, high-pitched noisesSmoothly: easily, without interruption or difficultySuspended: to stop something from continuingCrowning: most important or notableUnfazed: not affected by something or not botheredCeaseless: unending, something that does not stopFret: to worryRisk: the possibility that something bad might happen“By this token”: in this wayVenture: a new activity or journey that involves a lot of risk and uncertaintyCompatible: able to exist, live together, or work with something/someone else in harmonyAim: goal, missionChagrin: disappointment or angerInhabitants: the people or animals that live in a particular placePrecarious: in a dangerous state, not safeEnshrined: kept in a holy placeGnawing: continuously uncomfortable, worrying, or painfulProsperity: success, having a lot of money, living comfortablyAssent: agreement

Thunderstruck: very surprised

Chapter 30

Conjugal: having to do with marriagePrecious: of great value because it is important or rareNemesis: enemy

Chapter 31

Scold: to yell at someone because they have done something wrongAppointed: officially chosenSquarely: facing directlyWell up: to fill with waterMarvel: to wonderDumbfounded: to be so shocked that you cannot speakSturdy: very stable and strongSpecimen: a creature or living thing

Chapter 32

Assimilate: to become part of a group or country by adopting that group or country’s beliefs and practicesRealm: an areaAmorous: lovingMortified: very afraid or embarrassedSuspension: the act of stopping something from happening for a period of timeDistinguish: to understand the difference between two things, to make one thing seem different from anotherWeakling: a very weak person or animalStave off: to stop something bad from happeningKeel over: to fall or bend over suddenlyTwinge: a sudden short feeling of painRegret: a feeling of sadness about something sad or wrong or about a mistake that you have made, and a wish that it could have been different or better

Chapter 33

Memorabilia: objects that a person collects because they are connected to a person or event that they consider interesting Prominently: in an obvious way, very well known and importantPlausible: likely to be true, believable, logicalExtract: to remove something from something elseMemorialize: to remember something by holding a ceremony or special eventIrrelevant: not related to what is being discussedSomber: serious and sadFleeting: short or quickFade: to lose colour or intensity gradually over time

Chapter 34

Sullenly: in a way that is angry and unwilling to talk to peopleAssuring: comforting, reaffirmingSlam: to hit hardly against a surfaceDispense: to distribute or give out thingsColossal: very largeHaggle: to try and negotiate a price with someone by arguingClinch: to finally get or win somethingSought: past tense of “seek” – to try to find something or get something; to ask for help or adviceQuarantine: to isolate a person from all other people usually because they have a disease that is very dangerousNit-pick: to find faults in details that are not important, to be very critical of something/someoneBureaucrats: a person who works for the governmentJudiciously: in a way that demonstrates wisdom or good reasonDeputation: a group of people sent to speak or act on behalf of othersYankee: the nickname for a person from AmericaCanuck: the nickname for a person from Canada

Chapter 35

Adorned: decorated with, clothed inSwirl: to cause to move in a circular or twisting movementSedated: very tired or fatigued after being given medicine to put you to sleep

Chapter 36

Memorably: in a way that can easily be rememberedHoller: to yell or shoutBashfully: in a way that you are easily embarrassed or uncomfortablePerturbed: disturbed by something, bothered, annoyedPeek at: to look at for a very short time while trying to avoid being seen

Chapter 37

Monstrous: very frightening or cruelMetallic: like metalBurp: to let air out from your stomach through your mouth in a loud way; kugeya-stricken: suffering from somethingWildly: madly, violently, enthusiasticallyToss and turn: to move back and forth continuouslyGuardian angel: a person who watches over and protects you from harmWorrywart: a person who constantly worriesDazzling: very attractive or brightPracticalities: real situations, factsRevive: to bring back to lifeVigorous: forceful, strong, energeticIronic: interesting, strange, or funny because it is the opposite of what you expectYank: to pull quickly with a lot of strengthUnsteadily: in a way that is not steady or stableTarpaulin: a large piece of waterproof cloth used as a covering

Chapter 38

Bullishly: in a confident and powerful wayCargo: materials carried by a large ship or planeLean: thin, slim, slenderMelancholy: depressed, sadShudder: to shake suddenly with small movements because of an unpleasant thought or feelingGrimace: to twist your face in an expression of dislike or anger or discomfortSquash: past tense of squish:Filthy: very dirtyContraption: a machine or device that is old or difficult to usBowels: intestinesCollapse: to fall down suddenlyDyspeptic: always angry or easily annoyedLuxury: great comfort, something that is expensive that makes you happier but is not necessaryGrimy: dirtyUniform: the same, not changing in any wayProwl: to move around quietly in a place so that you are not seen or heard as if you are huntingMuffled: quiet, not clearCorridor: a hallwayGust: a sudden and strong windForbidding: unfriendly, likely to cause harmFeat: an accomplishmentAdverse: having a negative or harmful effectPandemonium: a situation in which there is a lot of noise or confusion because people are excited, angry, or frightenedThrilling: extremely excitingSpectacle: an event that attracts attention or interestOrchestrate: organize, put togetherEnsconced: in a safe or comfortable positionSurge: to increase suddenly and strongly, to develop quickly

Riotous: very loud and uncontrollableRaging: uncontrollable, very strong or violentFroth: to produce small bubbles at the surface of waterConceive: to think of, to imagineCollective: sharedOncoming: moving towards you or coming nearerShriek: to screamBerserk: very angry or out of controlDumbstruck: dumbfounded, so shocked that you cannot speakThrust: to push or throw suddenly with a lot of forceDangle: to hang loosely

Chapter 39

Trampoline: a piece of sports equipment that you jump up and down onBounce: to move up after hitting a surface, to jumpLeap: to jump a long distanceSmash: to crush, to cause something to breakDistress: a situation in which you are in danger or suffering and need help, anxietyQuiver: to shake with fearSeething: to feel very angry but not express it

Chapter 40

Vacant: empty, not occupiedCrumble: to fall apartStung: past tense of “sting” – to cause sharp painTingle: to feel an emotion in a physical wayThrash: to move from side to side in a violent or uncontrolled wayTread: to float in water by moving your arms and legs under the waterSecurely: positioned firmly and not likely to move or breakProw: the front part of a boat or shipCrookedly: in a way that is not straightFluctuate: to changeProspects: the possibility that something good might happen in the future

Chapter 41

Lunge: to move forward suddenly with force as if you are attackingFlicker: when a light appears for a short time and then goes outMarauding: going from one place to another killing or using violence, stealing, or destroyingFlotsam: pieces of broken wood floating on the seaCrane: to stretch in order to be able to see somethingInch: to move little by littleDetect: to notice or recognize something that is usually not seen or heardShred: to rip or tear apartSlid: past tense of “slide” – to move easily against a surfaceTremble: to shake, to be unsteady, to quiverRap: to tap or hit against somethingListless: having no energy and not willing to do anythingPant: to breathe quickly and loudly through your mouth usually because you have done something physically demandingPropped: supported physically by something so that it can stand upProtrude: to sick out from somethingSemblance: appearing similar to what was wanted or expected but not exactTorso: the middle section of a person’s body from their shoulders to their bellySnort: to make a loud sound by forcing air quickly up the noiseDwell on: to continue to think or talk about something that is bothering youAfterthought: an idea that is not thought of right away but comes at a later timeQueer: strange, unusualBoldness: courage, strengthFineness: the quality of being very thinStrain: stress, pressureExceptional: greater than usual, not normal

Spared: to not hurt or destroy someoneSlight: small in amount or degreeDuck: to move your head down to avoid being hit by somethingSubordinate: having a lower status positionJagged: rough and unevenAboard: on a ship, bus, or trainFodder: food given to animalsUpfront: speaking in a way that is clear and honest and directStealth: movement that is quiet and careful in order to avoid being seen or heard, secretivenessPrecautionary: done to prevent something bad from happeningImitate: to copy the speech or behaviour of something or someoneSwell: the movement of waves in the seaAccelerated: increased speed, moving fasterGeotectonics: the study of the movement of the crust of the earthRapidly: quicklyImmense: very large in size or degreeBreathtakingly: in a way that takes your breath away because it is so exciting or beautifulFluffy: light and full of airRadiantly: in a way that is very happy or beautifulFathomless: unable to imagine, too deep to be measuredDome: a rounded roof on a buildingDelicate: easily damaged or brokenTransfixed: unable to move because you are so interested or surprised by somethingWeep: to cry loudly

Chapter 42

Stunning: extremely beautiful or attractiveBitterly: in a way that shows anger or disappointmentDissemble: to hide your feelings or emotionsDrool: to have saliva falling out of your mouthMalevolent: causing harm or evilCasual: not formalGesture: a movement of the hands, arms, or head to express an emotion or ideaReap: to cut and collect cropsDisperse: to spread across a large areaConvulsion: a sudden movement of your body that you cannot control“in a fog”: confused or not very aware of what is happening around youTentative: a plan or idea that is not certain to happen

Chapter 43

Trace : a very small amountGlimmer: to shine with light in an unsteady way as when light reflects off of waterInconceivable: unable to be believed, impossible to imagineElicit: to get or produce somethingPeep: a quick look at somethingGasp: to take a short breath through your mouth because of surpriseSwerve: to change direction suddenlyRescue: to help someone escape from a dangerous situationEnsure: to make something certain to happenToss: to throwBarrier: a wall that stops people from going somewhereCataleptic: stiff and not movingWhine: to make a long, high, sad soundScuff: to scratchOccasional: something that doesn’t happen regularlyPreceding: coming beforePeer: to look carefully at somethingExpanse: a large open area of sea or skyInstantly: immediately, happening very fast without warningCramped: small and filledBroad: wide

Buoyancy: the ability to float on waterRear: to raise upWhimper: to make a series of small, soft sounds that express pain or unhappinessSeize: to take hold of suddenlyHair-raising: very frighteningObstacle: something that blocks you or prevents you from moving forwardBulge: a bump that sticks out from somethingPitiful: worthy or pity or sympathyCrouch: to lower yourself to the groundRigid: not able to be moved or changed, stiffExude: to radiateTedious: boringDraining: tiring, making you very tiredStupor: a condition in which a person is almost unconscious and their thoughts are not clearManiacal: describes a cry or laugh that is loud or evilPrejudice: an unfair opinion based on a stereotypeSlope: to be at an angle either going up or going downDiscarded: thrown away or tossed asidePrototype: the first model or example of somethingBungled: done in a stupid or careless wayClassy: having style or fashion senseOstentation: showing off your possessions or money or power to make people notice youVirulent: spreading very quickly, dangerousReceding: to move further into the distanceScraggly: growing in a way that is untidy or unevenDevastating: causing a lot of damage or destructionInfirm: the sick, ill peopleHardy: strong enough to bear difficult situationsDiligent: careful and using a lot of effortGnaw: to bit or chew something repeatedlySwell: to increase in sizeChunk: a large piece of somethingDense: thickEdibles: things that are able to be eatenAccidental: not done on purpose, happening by chanceOccurrence: something that happens, an event“no hard feelings”: not angry about somethingDelight: pleasureDisgust: a strong feeling of dislike or disapprovalCatholicity: comprehensive, including everythingIndiscriminate: not able to distinguish between two thingsExcrement: poopGobble: to eat up very quicklyAversion: a feeling of strong dislike for somethingFormidable: causing fear because something is so powerful or dangerousGush: to flow quickly in large amounts

Chapter 44

Zenith: the most successful point or timePerch: to sit on top ofAssociated: connected with, related toSpiral: to move in a circular motionContour: the shape of something, outline“on guard”: keeping a careful watch over an area to protect it from dangerSqueal: to make a long very high pitched cryHellish: very bad or unpleasantApparently: something seems to be true although it is not certain

Chapter 45

Emerge: to appear by coming out of somethingBask: to sit and enjoy the warmth of the sun

Dishevelled: untidy, disorganized, not looking smartVersion: a particular form of something that is slightly different form other forms of the same thingVariation: changesReunion: a situation when people meet again after they haven’t seen each other in a long timeAutomatically: happening without intention or controlLimply: in a way that is soft and not firm or stiffRemonstration: to plead or protestRevulsion: a strong unpleasant feeling, disgustSurge: a sudden large increasePity: a feeling of sympathy and understanding for someone else’s difficult situationBlunted: cut short, stoppedCallous: unkind, cruel, without sympathyCapacity: the total amount that can be held or containedSwamp: to cover or fill withQueasy: nauseous, feeling like you are going to vomit“to pop into your head”: to suddenly imagine or get an ideaScrutinize: to examine very carefullyBaffling: confusingImprobable: unlikelyNiche: an area or specialty that is suitable for a personAlbeit: although, despiteStupendous: surprising in a pleasing wayVigilant: very aware of your surroundingsRugged: wild, uneven, not easy to travel throughHaughty: pompous, considering yourself better than other peopleSleek: smooth and shinySlippery: wet and smooth

Chapter 46

Suppose: to think that something is likely to be true; kuyerekezaConventional: traditional, ordinary, normalConsist of: to be made of somethingDreadful: very bad or sadChromatic: relating to colorsSupernatural: caused by forces that cannot be explained by science, mysteriousDepth: the distance from the top to the bottom of something“in plain sight”: obvious, easy to seeSplendid: wonderful, fantastic, goodExpansive: very largeDisposition: a person’s character or temperament, the way that he/she behavesStrapping: strongUnmistakable: unable to be confused with something elseUnintentionally: in a way that is not intentional or plannedMimic: to copy or imitate the way someone does somethingVowed: promisedPlummet: to fall very quickly and suddenlyAmok: out of control, behaving in a wild and dangerous mannerCramped: tight, not having enough spaceSwath: a large strip or areaGaping: describes a hole or opening that is very largeHaunches: the back legs of an animalViscera: the large organs inside the body, including the heart, stomach, lungs, and intestinesTug: to pull hardAbomination: something that you strongly dislike or disapprove of; chinthu chodetsedwaIndifferent: not interested or concerned with something, apathetic; kusalabadiraIncongruously: in a way that is different or unusual from everything else that is happening“to show off”: to display in a way that attracts attentionCringe: to move away from someone or something because you are afraidRetreat: to go away from a place to escape danger, to move backAppalling: shocking, unbelievable, disturbing; kuopsezaFury: extreme anger“all-out”: total, complete, absolute

Register: to acknowledge or realize somethingUncontrollably: in a way that cannot be controlledChurn: to mix or stir vigorouslyCapsize: to cause a boat to turn over while on the water, to sinkAlarmed: shocked, worried or frightened by somethingBreak off: to stop, end, finishFoul: very unpleasant; kuipa kwambiriPungent: describes a very strong and unpleasant smell or tasteCoagulate: to change from liquid to solid, to clogInsanity: madness; kupengaGrief: very great sadness

Chapter 47

Heave: to move something forcefullySpew: to spit out or vomitGlisten: to shineStrictly: exactly, really; chenicheniTremor: a shaking movement in a person’s bodySustain: to keep alive or support; kulimbikitsaTense: nervous, worried, unable to relax;Grossly: extremelyDilated: wide openFidget: to make small movements continuously; kusuntha thupi mozungulirazungulira komanso mosatopa ndi mokwiyitsa anthuUnbearable: too painful or unpleasant for you to handle; kusazolowerekaFuse: to come together or join two thingsShoot up: to increase quickly and suddenlyMenace: danger, something likely to cause harm; kuwopsezaRemains: the pieces leftover from something, parts of a dead bodyFormer: previous, in the past, beforeInappropriate: not suitable; kusayeneraCute: attractive, usually used to describe something small; kungwalaAmusement: entertainmentReveal: to show something that was hidden or secret; kuvumbulaIncapable: not able to do somethingSeemingly: appearing to be something, according to the facts that you knowMatter: issue, situationQuell: to stopPanic: a sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents you from thinking clearly; kudimbiriraExposure: an illness that results from being outside in harsh weather for too longForlorn: alone and unhappy, sadPredict: to say what will happen in the future; kuloseraSavage: extremely violent, wild, or frighteningSplay: to spread apartInstant: a short period of time, a moment, a second; mphindiErect: very straight and pointing upHostility: unfriendliness, anger, hatred; udaniKinetic: involving or producing movementWithdraw: to move back or removeExult: to express great pleasure or happinessEmpirical: based on facts rather than theory or imagination; kupezeka zoona kudzera m;kuona komanso kugwira ntchitoLoom: to cause worryPortly: fat and roundPrecision: the quality of being exact or correct; kusalakwitsaCoherence: when parts of something fit together in a natural way; kumatanaAgile: able to move quickly and easily; kupepuka thupiHamper: to prevent someone from doing something easilyIneffectually: in a way that is not effective or achieving good resultsImpending: describing something that causes worry and is going to happen very soonNumb: not able to be felt; kusamva kuwawa kapena kukhudza kulikonseExceedingly: to a great degree; mochulukaTautly: tightly, securelySag: to hang down; kukhunyata

Toilsome: difficultTrek: a long journey made on footInvigorating: making you have more energy or feel healthier; kulimbitsaSublimity: the quality of being extremely good, beautiful, or enjoyableDazed: confused and unable to think clearlyDelirium: a state of being unable to think or speak clearly because of confusion; kubwebweta

Chapter 48

Clerical: having to do with work done in an office; kuubusaHenna: a red/brown dye used for tattoosBangles: braceletsInnards: intestinesImmobilizing: describes something that makes you unable to move; kusasunthaWoozy: feeling weak and ill, dizzyBefuddled: confusedChuckle: to laugh

Chapter 49

Pinned: held down“to think straight”: to think clearly and logicallyCaravan: a group traveling through a dangerous area (usually a desert)Sustenance: food and waterConsent: permission or agreementDeliberation: considering or thinking about something in order to make a decision; kuganiza ganizaDelusion: belief in something that is not true; maganizo wolakwikaFalsity: something that is false, a lieConundrum: a problem that is difficult to deal with; ndagi zokhala pamodzi ndi nthano, mwambi, kapena njerengoProportionally: in proportion to each other“to perk up”: to gain energy, to feel betterInsouciant: relaxed and happy, not feeling guiltyCope: to successfully deal with a difficult situationRemotely: hardly, slightlyOutmatch: to be superior to something or someoneParched: dry and thirstyExceed: to go beyond a limit, to be greater than what is requiredCompelling: strong, exciting; kukakamizaSensation: a feeling; kumvaAsphyxiation: suffocationDrawn-out: lasting a long timeTaxing: causing mental or physical strain“raving mad”: crazy, insanePutrid: decayed and having a very bad smellGenuine: true, real, honestOutfitted: containing, havingReasonable: based on good judgment/logic and therefore fair or acceptableProposition: an offer, idea, or suggestionElementary: basic, fundamentalNoble: honourableGuise: a false appearance meant to deceive someone; maonekedwe a kunjaCauldron: a large cooking potRidiculous: absurd, silly, stupidAbsurdly: in a way that is silly or stupidReprieve: an escape from a bad situation or punishmentSuperior: better than, above averageExtent: degree, level“to take liberties”: to treat someone with disrespectPassivity: the quality of being passive, not acting to influence or change a situationSedation: the use of a drug to put someone to sleep

Chapter 50

Merry: happy, joyfulSymmetrical: the same on both sides, mirror imagesFeature: to have or includeRivet: a metal pinSpacious: having a lot of spaceMerge: to come together or joinRoughly: approximately, aboutSpan: to cover an area or spacePropulsion: a force that pushes something forwardHeadway: progressGrasp: to understand“in dire straits”: in a very bad or difficult situationBleak: hopelessInvention: the process of developing new technologies

Chapter 51

Cache: a hidden store of thingsUninterrupted: even and smooth without any stops or bumpsEstimation: your opinion of something or someoneSlack: loose ropeHasp: a piece of metal that fastens to somethingJerk: to pull back suddenlyShiver: to shake from fear or coldPartially: not completelyUnambiguous: very clear and easy to understandGlimpse: an occasion when you see something for a very short time, a quick lookTawny: a light brown colorSupplication: a prayerRevelation: a realization, suddenly understanding or knowing something that was unknown before; vumbulutsoPositively: totally, completelyGiddy: happy, excitedStack: a pile of things on top of one anotherRummage: to search for something by moving things around carelesslyAching: hurting, painful“to run its course”: to complete its natural development from start to endDint: an indent or small hollow mark caused by being hit with somethingFiend: a person who is very interested in somethingTilt: to turn something so that it is at an angleGurgle: kumveka mkokomo wa madziDispatch: to send something for a particular purposeExquisite: very beautiful or delicateNectar: a sweet juice produced by flowersProlonged: lasting a long timePerspiration: sweatPores: the tiny holes in the skinSuppleness: having the ability to be bent, flexibilityEcstatic: very happyPlenitude: abundanceHollow: having a hole or empty space inside; polowaCavity: a holeMere: used to emphasize that something is not large or important;Nyanja yaying’onoDeluge: a floodTwitch: to make a small sudden movement of the body without intending toRation: a restricted amount or portionFragrant: having a strong pleasant smellEnchantment: magic that has a positive effect on someoneRestraint: calm and controlled behavior, self-controlRestrict: to limit; kuletsaPlunge: to dive or fall into something

Marvellous: wonderful, fantasticSorely: extremely, very much

Chapter 52

Thorough: detailed and careful; mwatsataetsataneTransparent: able to be seen throughBuoyant: having the ability to float on water; mphamvu zopangitsa kuberuka pa madziSynthetic: man-made, not coming from natureMorphine: a drug used to reduce painSoundly: totally, completely

Chapter 53

Rouse: to awaken, to wake upTide: the rise and fall of the sea“lease on life”: your perspective or views about lifeUtterance: a statement, something that you sayBlubber: to cry in a noisy way like a childUtter: to sayLucidity: the ability to think and speak clearly in a way that is easy to understandPoignancy: the ability to produce sadnessModesty: humilityImprobability: having the quality of being unlikely to happenWheeze: to have difficulty breathingRumble: a loud continuous noiseLash: to tie together with somethingFeverishly: in a way that is excited or chaoticHitch: to tie or fasten to somethingParalyzed: unable to move; matenda olepheretsa kudzimva kapena kuchita kanthuFutile: having no effect, ineffective, useless; kuchabechabeGlazed: shinyChops: the mouth of an animalStance: a position, a way of standingPose: a positionAffected: artificial and not sincere, pretending to be something you’re notOverwhelming: very great or large, difficult to deal withLithesome: the quality of being thin and gracefulGlossy: shinyIncomparably: unable to be comparedStylish: fashionable, looking smartBrazen: obvious, not trying to hideFlair: styleLustre: brightness that a shiny surface hasUnflinching: unmoving, stillFlighty: not responsible and changing frequentlySwivel: to rotateCoyly: in a modest wayScrawny: tiny, weakMaterialize: to appearClamp down: to hold downPonderous: slow and awkward because of being very heavy or largePaces: stepsUnsettle: to make someone uneasy or worriedElongated: longVoraciously: very eagerly (usually in the way that a person eats)Retrieve: to find and bring something backTethered: tied togetherCrevasses: very deep cracksFlop: to fall or drop suddenlyGingerly: in a way that is careful or cautiousPlop: to fall and make a soundDimple: to make small holes or indents in something

Furtively: in a way that is secret and dishonest

Chapter 54

Soaked: wetAnew: againPerverse: strange or disturbingBraille: a system of printing/writing used for blind people in which the letters are raised dots that can be felt with the fingersTauten: to become tightErratic: strange, uncertain, unpredictableBoulder: a large rockPouch: a small sackRinse: to use water to clean somethingHatch: to make a plan, developDeafening: so loud that it hurts your earsChoppy: rough, unevenUnexpectedly: in a way that you do not expect or anticipateConsecutive: describes things that happen one after another without an interruptionPrick: to pokeTarzan: a fictional character raised by animals in the junglePuny: small and weakFeeble: weak and without energy, strength, or powerHatchet: a macheteNick: to cutAttrition: gradually making something weaker and destroying it by repeatedly attacking it

Chapter 55

Towering: very high up or tallMantra: a phrase that is repeated to express a beliefBout: a short period of involvement in an activityPanorama: a wide view of an areaContrast: an obvious difference between two or more things; kusiyanitsaInert: not movingOverwrought: in a state of being upset or worried“to screech to a halt”: to end very quicklyMoat: a small river that goes around a fortress to protect it from enemiesHoard: to collect large amounts of something and keep it in a secret place without sharingSurmount: to overcome

Chapter 56

Adversary: opponent, enemyUnerring: making no mistakesSelf-possessed: in control of yourselfGarb: clothingEquipped: having or possessing certain required itemsAmazement: extreme surprise or wonderUndeniable: unable to be denied, definitely trueAllies: friends or people who support you/are on your sideImpression: an idea or opinion of what something or someone is likeTriumph: to overcome, to win, to succeedNestle: to rest your body on something soft and largeGangrene: an infection where a part of your body decays

Chapter 57

Irony: a situation in which something which was intended to have a certain result has the opposite result; kunena chinthu ngati ukutanthauza chimenecho pamene ukutanthauza mtsutso wa mauwoWitless: stupid, dumb, not intelligentIntently: giving all your attention to something/someoneContented: happy, satisfiedPetrifying: terrifying, very frightening

Detonation: the act of causing something to explodeResonant: clear and loudInfuriated: extremely angrySpine-chilling: very frighteningMelodiously: in a way that sounds like musicInflection: the way in which your voice changes while speakingMajestically: powerfully, beautifully“to be in the same boat”: to be in the same situation as someone elseOutlast: to live longer than someone elseFrailty: weakness“to come clean”: to confessDespair: feeling hopeless, sadInescapably: in a way that cannot be escapedGratification: pleasure, satisfactionEdification: the improvement of the mind by learningResounding: great

Chapter 58

Exertion: the use of a lot of mental or physical effortIdle: without work, lazyOccupied: busyMomentary: lasting only a momentMorale: the amount of confidence felt by a person or group of people in a difficult situationDaunted: worried, frightenedCryptic: difficult to understand as if it is written in code; kubisikaDistill: to explain, to make something clearInjunction: an official order usually given to stop someone from doing something; lamulo la mphamvuGastronomic: related to the preparation or consumption of foodFascinating: very interestingPamphlet: an instruction manual or document containing informationDevise: to create or designCanopy: a cover fixed over something to protect from sun and rain; nsalu kapena zina zokuta malo ngati choteteza anthu

Chapter 59

Steer: to directDisconsolate: extremely sad or disappointedLest: in order to prevent something from happeningCocky: arrogant, pompousManipulate: to control something or someone to your advantage usually by lying; kutchinjiriza zinthu pa zolinga za mwiniAbandon: to leave behindDeploy: to use somethingMomentarily: for only a momentVeer: to change directionExclusively: onlyIngest: to eat or drink somethingDrain: to remove the liquid from somethingDregs: the small solid pieces that sink to the bottom of some liquidsPreoccupied: worried about, concerned withGuaranteed: promised, made certain; kutsimikizaHeed: to pay attention to something“to stake a claim”: to assert or argue for your right to do somethingRequisite: necessary or needed for a particular purposePainstakingly: in a way that shows you have taken a lot of care or made a lot of effortCompensate: to pay someone in exchange for something; kulipira kamba koti chinthu china chinasowaGalleon: a large shipMien: a person’s facial expressionApt: suitable or right for a situation, appropriateCommotion: a period of noise, confusion, or excitementEvanescent: lasting for only a short time and then disappearing quicklyPhosphorescent: giving off or shining lightFatality: death

Collision: an accident that happens when two moving things hit each other; kuombanaCollide: to hit something ; kugundanaLuminescence: the quality of glowing with light

Chapter 60

Sharply: quickly and suddenlyDefined: clearly shownBrilliance: great brightness or colourConfounding: confusingSage: a wise personFright: fearThroe: severe moments of painOrdeal: struggle, difficult situation; nthawi yovuta kapena ya mayeso Insignificant: not important, meaningless; kupana ntchito

Chapter 61

Crept – past tense of “creep”: to move very quietly and carefullyIntriguing: very interestingTorpedo: a long, thin bomb used by a ship that moves underwaterFreeload: to use money or food or something else given by other people without giving anything backBare: not covered by anything, nakedSheer: pure, total, extremeExasperation: exhaustion, feeling very tiredBlow: a hard hit or punchRebuke: to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong; kudzudzulaRecoil: to react to something with fear or hatePuffy: swollenPutrefied: decayed and having a very bad smellSaline: salty, containing salt“speak of the devil”: this is something you say when someone you have been talking about suddenly appearsStalactites: a column of rock that hangs from the top of a caveStalagmites: a column of rock that rises from the floor of a caveDire: very serious or bad“to pass the time”: to spend time doing somethingRiddle: a strange and difficult question that has a clever answer; ndagiIrresolvable: unable to be resolvedFancy: to like something or someoneOutwit: to gain an advantage over someone by being more clever than he/she isGruesome: very violent or unpleasant, usually involving injury or deathGrip: to hold something very tightlyVibration: kujenjemera kopitiriraSchool of fish: a group of fishWhir: to make a low continuous soundMartyrdom: a situation when someone dies for their beliefsClutch: to hold something tightlyOnslaught: an attack on someone“in hot pursuit”: following someone closely, trying to catch themMayhem: chaos, a situation in which there is no order or controlEfficient: working well and not wasting any time or energySwipe: to move your arm in order to hit or smack somethingAbsorption: the process of absorbing a liquid; kuyamwaHurriedly: in a very fast way; mwachanguSobering: making you feel very seriousLoathsome: extremely unpleasant, badGills: the organs on each side of a fish that allow it to breathe; chiwalo chomwe nsomba imapumiraSentimentalism: a tendency to express your feelings or emotions in an excessive way“to egg on”: to encourage someone to do something (usually something stupid or dangerous)Heartily: with a lot of enthusiasm or excitement, willinglySentient: able to experience physical feelingsBurden: something difficult or unpleasant that you have to deal with; chipsinjoNibble: to take very small bites of foodFervour: very strong beliefs or feelings

“to brace yourself”: to prepare for something unpleasant or difficultCowed: frightenedHaul: to pull something slowly with difficultyWrithing: twisting in a violent way due to painRetaliate: to do something bad to someone because they have done something bad to youExtraordinary: strange, unexpected, amazingIn succession: happening one after another very quicklyShimmer: to shineGleefully: in a joyful wayBludgeon: to hit someone several times with a heavy objectSanguinary: positive and optimistic, hoping for good thingsMash: to crush food until it is softGraciously: in a polite way that shows respectConsecrated: holyPlight: struggle, a difficult situation where a person faces a lot of problems

Chapter 62

Wisp: a small, thin line of cloud“to be marred by”: to be spoiled; kuimpsaProcure: to get or obtain somethingInflated: filled with airGrotesque: very strange and unpleasant, disturbing; kunyansaFetch: to go to a place to get something and bring it backMorsel: a piece of somethingRattling: shakingStash: an amount of something that you keep in a secret and safe placeStifling: extremely hotBulky: too big and taking up too much spaceRivulet: a very small river

Chapter 63

Trial: a difficult time, ordealNotion: idea, concept; ganizo m’moyo wa munthuCastaway: someone who is left alone on an island or lifeboat where there are no other people after their ship has sunkFlare: a piece of safety equipment lit on fire and it sends a bright light into the sky so that people can see you from far awayDisruption: an interruption; kupwanyika, kugawikanaAccommodate: to provide a place for someone to stay and to take care of their needs; kukhala ndi chidwi chithandizaNeglect: to not give enough care or attention to something or someone; kudsalabadiraCranky: upset or annoyed, not in a good moodSole: onlyCompanion: friendCompulsively: lacking control and doing something over and over again even though you know you shouldn’t“to make a point of something”: to emphasize somethingRoutine: the things that you do regularly everydayMarker: an important event in the history or development of someone or somethingImprint: to leave a mark on something after pressing down on itJumble: a confused group of things, a mix

Chapter 64

Disintegrate: to break into a lot of small piecesStark: clear, obviousDisfigure: to damage the appearance of something or someoneAccidentally: mwangozi, mosafunandi mosadziwaBoil: a red swollen area on the skin that is infected

Chapter 65

Decipher: to understand, to discover what something meansNavigation: finding the right direction to travel using the stars or a mapSeafaring: travelling by sea

Cruise: to move at a speed that does not changeCurrent: the natural flow of water in one direction“to not have the faintest idea”: to not understand something at allSparkle: to shine brightly because of reflected light; kunyezimiraBrawn: physical strength

Chapter 66

Gaff: a piece of fishing equipmentSnagged: stuck on a sharp object and tearing or rippingImpale: to stick a sharp object through something; kubaya ndi mtengo wokuthwa kapena lupangaSpurt: to flow suddenly with force; kuchololaInstinctive: reacting naturally without thinkingPrissy: always behaving in a polite or correct wayFamished: starving, very hungryBlunt: not sharpNimble: quick, agile, able to move quickly and easilyWield: to hold a weapon and look like you are going to use itJam: to make something stuck or fill a space completelyLure: the power to attract peopleIrresistible: extremely attractive and difficult to not like or wantAmbit: the limits of the influence of somethingStreak: to move very quicklyJubilant: joyful, very happyDescend: to go downSavagery: acts of cruel and violent behavior

Chapter 67

Multitude: a very large number of somethingAlgae: a plant that grows in water and frequently on the bottom of boatsTranslucent: able to allow light through it, “see through”Shrimp: a small sea animal that you can eat also known as a prawnGelatinous: thick and like jellyPrimitive: not developed, basic, simpleMotley: made up of many different types, mixedPotbelly: a fat round stomachUnpalatable: unable to accept or tasting very badBitter: having a strong sour taste; kuwawasaCrab: a sea creature with ten legs and a hard shell; nkhanuCivility: polite behaviorFrayed: upset, disturbed, troubled

Chapter 68

“at a stretch”: at one time, in a continuous period of timeApprehension: an anxious feeling about something that is going to happen

Chapter 69

Fashion: to make, construct, or buildUnreliable: not able to be trusted or depended on; kusadalilikaCumin: a spice used for cookingIntoxicating: making you feel very excited or happyHallucination: things that you see that are not actually there; malubwerubweOpaquely: in a way that is not clear or difficult to understand

Chapter 70

Grapple: to try to deal with something difficult; kunonthokeraExert: to use a lot of physical or mental energy to do somethingSever: to cut offRetract: to retreat

Stern: very seriously and lacking any humorGoad: to make someone so angry that they do what you want them to doGash: to make a long deep cut or woundSip: a small drink of something; psonthaGulp: to drink very quicklySpent: very tired, exhaustedForbearance: the quality of being patient and being able to control yourself in a difficult situationImpose: to force someone to believe or do what you want; kukakamiza kuvomera chinthu chovuta kapena chosafunika

Chapter 71

Predicament: a problem or difficult situation; chochitika chovutaShield: a large flat metal object used for protection; chisangoArmour: metal clothing that soldiers wear for protection; chovala chodzitetezera ku nkhondoAfflict: to cause suffering for a person“to get its goat”: to irritate or bother someoneNoisily: in a loud and noisy waySignal: to make a movement that gives information or tells people what to doOutright: completelyDisembowelled: having the internal organs removedPiqued: annoyed, botheredPeeved: annoyed, botheredVexed: annoyed, botheredIrked: annoyed, botheredHomicidal: in an emotional state of anger in which a person wants to kill someoneTaunt: saying unkind things to someone to upset themLegalistic: giving too much attention to rules and detailsAffronted: insulted or offendedMisconstrue: to interpret someone’s words or actions in a false way, to not understand; kutanthauza molakwikaPersnickety: giving too much attention to small details in a way that annoys other peopleTrespass: to enter someone’s land without permissionUnflagging: not becoming weaker, staying strongSafe haven: a safe place “at full blast”: at the highest volume possible, very loudlyPivotal: very importantBroach: to break through the surface of the waterFalter: to make a mistakeAssociate: to relate or connect two things together; kugwirizanaIn rhythm: at the same timeImpart: to communicate information or knowledge to someoneRetch: to react to something as if you are vomitingPiercing: very loudPuke: to vomitSap: to make something weakIncapacitating: making you too weak or sick to do anythingUntoward: badMalaise: a general feeling of being ill or tired or apathetic

Chapter 72

Charge: to run at someone or something very fastFrantic: done in a quick way without organizationCovert: secretObject: to oppose something“to settle scores”: to get revenge on someone, to harm someone who has harmed you the in the pastClash: a fight or argumentCautionary: intended to warn or advise someone about something dangerous, preventative; kusamalaShowdown: a fight or battleAppraise: to examine something and judge it

Chapter 73

Battered: worn down, old and not in a very good condition

Condemnation: strong criticism of something that is very bad; kutsimikizaCapture: to explain or describe

Chapter 74

Desolation: complete emptiness or destruction, lonelinessWeariness: a feeling of extreme tirednessElevate: to raise upRemnants: leftover pieces from something, remains; tsalakoUnravel: kukhulula

Chapter 75

Estimate: to guess at the size or amount of something; kuyerekeza

Chapter 76

Glutton: a person who eats too much; munthu wodya kwambiriUphold: to support a decisionReputation: the opinion that people have about someone or someone based on their characterConversely: used to introduce something that is different from what you have just saidDeference: polite behavior that shows respect; ulemuSustained: continuing for a long period of time without stoppingAlertness: the quality of being quick to notice things around you“to give someone the willies”: to frighten someoneBadger: to bother or annoy someoneOminous: making you think someone bad will happen; kupereka chenjezo kuti china chake chichitikiaFondle: to touch somethingExhilarated: very energetic and excited about somethingArduous: very difficult

Chapter 77

Obsessively: thinking too much about something or doing something too much; mwachikumbumtimaQuite: veryFastidiously: done in a way that every small detail is correctSlimy: kutereraDelicacy: a food that is special, rare, or expensiveRespite: a short period of restUnsurpassable: unable to be conquered or overcome“to while away”: to spend time relaxing because you have nothing to doFickle: likely to change feelings or opinions very quicklyVestige: a very small amount of something that still exists after the rest of it is gone, remnantAcrid: an unpleasant taste or smellDeteriorate: to become worse over time

Chapter 78

Billowy: spread over a large areaDappled: covered with spotsHaze: a state of mental confusion; chifungaBloat: to become swollen or filled with airAvalanche: a sudden large amount of something that you cannot deal with; khwimbiPerpetually: constantly, alwaysHarrowing: making you feel extremely frightened or upsetInvasive: moving or expanding into all areas and difficult to stopSolitude: the condition of being alone; kudzunguyaTranquillity: peace, calmnessClaustrophobic: being afraid of small spacesReplenish: to fill something that has become empty, to restockProvisions: supplies of food and other necessary itemsAbate: to become weaker or stopComa: the condition of being unconscious for a very long time

“to whip into a frenzy”: to make someone very excited or full of energy, to cause chaosContemplate: to think about something for a long timeStale: not fresh, old, boringExpendable: able to be eliminated, not necessary

Chapter 79

Whack: a hit or punchNuisance: a person, thing, or situation that causes problems for you and annoys youRisky: dangerousCurmudgeonly: in a way that you feel annoyed or bothered by somethingDiscreet: careful not to cause embarrassment or to attract attention by keeping something secretStocky: large and strongly built (usually used for describing a person’s body)Impulsively: done suddenly without thinkingSpray: many small drops of water in the airFoolhardy: taking unnecessary risksRubble: leftover pieces from something that has been destroyedHoned developed perfectlyBumble: to speak or move in a confused wayPerceive: to think, to notice something; kuzindikira zoona zake

Chapter 80

Swat: to hit something with your hand to make it move away“to be in the midst of something”: to be in the middle of doing somethingHuddle: to come together very closely, to move closer to other peopleWhiz: to fly by quicklyHorde: a large group of something“to look someone dead in the eyes”: to look directly at someone without fearDefiant: refusing to obey; kunyozaGregarious: very social and wanting to spend time with other peopleWage: to fight a battle to achieve somethingProgressively: increasingly, happening gradually over time; mwachulukirachulukirabe

Chapter 81

Exploitation: a situation in which somebody treats somebody else in an unfair way, especially in order to make money from their work; kugwiritsa ntchito modzikonda, kafukulidweApparent: obvious, clearAgency: usefulness, abilitiesConfer: to give someone an award or honour

Chapter 82

Incessantly: continuously without stoppingForestall: to prevent something from happeningTorrential: falling in large amountsBarely: only just, in a way that it almost does not happenScarcity: lack of something, not having enough“the lion’s share”: the majority of somethingGenerously: giving freely; kupereka mwaulere, mtchitidwe wa kukhala wopatsaHewn: cutHuff: to breathe in a noisy way that shows you are annoyed“to wolf down”: to eat very quickly

Chapter 83

Cue: an action or event that is a signal for somebody to do somethingHillock: a small hillSurfing: a sport where someone stands on a small piece of plastic called a surfboard and rides wavesInterfere: to get involved in and try to influence a situation in a way that annoys other people; kududukiraShift: to move in a new direction, to change directionTumble: to fall down suddenly in a dramatic way

Lurch: to make a sudden movement forwardSwiftly: quicklySummit: the very top of something, the highest pointPummel: to keep hitting someone hardReversed: backwardsMonotonous: never changing and therefore boringNumbness: the quality of being unable to feel anything“to beat someone to a pulp”: to beat someone severely, to injure themFatal: deadlyContents: the things inside of somethingDeflated: emptied of airMend: to fix

Chapter 84

Awaken: to wake upBreeze: a small gust of wind; mphepoWhale: a very large sea creature; mtundu wa nyama zazikulu za m’nyanja za mchereGlint: small flashes of lightFading: reducing, becoming weakerSpout: a stream of water coming out with forceArchipelago: a group of islandsBehemoth: something very big“to lift one’s spirits”: to give encouragement to someone or make them feel betterPlankton: very small plants that grow in water“through the grapevine”: something heard indirectly from other peopleDastardly: cruel, evilHarpoon: to stab an ocean creature with a sharp objectBefall: to happen to someoneHeinous: morally wrong, evil, cruel, disturbingDolphin: a smaller verision of a whaleGay: happy, joyfulAwe: shock, surpriseSelf-pity: feeling sorry for yourselfAlbatross: a seafaring bird that hovers in the air for long periods of timeIncomprehensible: unable to be understood, unimaginableAlight: to land on something after flying over itCork: a small round piece of light wood used to fill a hole“to eye someone”: to look at someone and examine themPaddle: to move through waterSquawk: the loud sound that a bird makesRegurgitate: to vomit, to bring food that has been swallowed back into the mouthRear: the back of somethingBulbous: round and fatOversized: too largeTweak: to make small changes to somethingAerodynamic: able to move quickly through the airJab: to strike or hitLeverage: to use force at an angle to move something

Chapter 85

Lightning: a flash of light that comes from the sky due to electricity; mphenziDownpour: a period of heavy rainfallThunder: a large sound that comes from the sky during a thunderstorm; chivomereziPuncture: to make a hole in something using a sharp object, to pierce or penetrateCelestial: related to the sky or heavensTremendous: great, remarkableBolt: a flash of lightningThrust: to push something strongly in a particular directionShard: a piece of something that has been brokenInsubstantial: not large or strong or importantPenetrate: to enter into something; kuzama

“to be chilled to the bone”: to be extremely cold

Chapter 86

Wreck: a crash of a vehicle (ship, car, train)Unaccounted: not counted, not includedRelentlessly: not stopping, continuing for a long time with strengthJuggernaut: a very large and powerful thingFortification: the act of making something strongerSentinel: a soldier whose job it is to guard somethingLanguish: to be forced to stay somewhere unpleasant for a long timeRicochet: to hit a surface and come back, to bounce off of somethingMight: strength“to no avail”: without successFrothy: bubblyMomentous: very important or significant, noteworthy, remarkableUnfettered: not controlled or restricted

Chapter 87

Trance: a state that someone is in when they are awake but are not aware of what is happening, hypnotizedRemembrance: a memory of something

Chapter 88

Putrefaction: the process of decayingFerment: to gain enthusiasm about somethingBitter: unpleasant and angry, unhappyPent-up: stored and not released; kupirira zopwetekaRage: extreme angerReel: to move in an unsteady way or to feel very upset about somethingHorrid: evil, mean, callousLaunch: to begin or set off, to start

Chapter 89

Subjugation: the act of dominating someone or oppressing themSyrup: a sweet liquid made from sugar that has a thick consistencyPerish: to become weak and dieEmaciated: very skinny due to malnutrition, starvingMoistness: wetnessIndistinguishable: unable to be distinguished from something elsePrimeval: very old, ancientMonster: a frightening and large creature; chilomboProstrate: lying on the ground facing downward in submissionEndure: to experience something very challenging and unpleasant and to overcome it

Chapter 90

Discharge: a liquid that comes out of your bodyItch: an uncomfortable feeling on your skin that makes you want to scratch; zoyabwa m’thupiOoze: to flow (a liquid) from something slowlyPus: a thick yellow discharge that is produced by an infected wound; mafinyaInfernal: extremely hotShrivelled: wrinkledImminent: going to happen very soonDemise: downfall; imfaMisery: great suffering, depressionInsistent: demanding something and refusing to accept a denialFigment: something that someone has imagined that does not really existFig: a soft and sweet fruitSacrilegious: treating something holy without any respectDistasteful: offensive, insulting, disturbing

Rascal: a dishonest person who enjoys playing tricks on otheres“to pipe up”: to speak after being silent for a long timeVulgar: rude and without any manners or politenessAmoral: having no morality, badMemorable: able to be remembered easily, noteworthy or remarkableFrequent: to visit frequentlyPerplexing: confusingDismayed: discouraged, depressedWail: a loud cryCalories: the energy contained in food, also known as kilojoulesRow: to move a boat through water using an oarHike: a walk up a mountainFlabbergasted: shocked, astonished, dumbfoundedConjure: to make something appear in your mind, to imagineFilth: dirt

Chapter 91

Amply: having enough or more than enoughEviscerate: to remove the inner organs from somethingMiniature: very small, tiny

Chapter 92

Drab: dull, boring, not interesting or beautifulGeology: the study of the earthChimera: an impossible idea or hopeRidge: an area of high land that is elevated above the land belowPrecipitously: quickly, impulsivelyResistance: a force that opposes something; kukanizaOlfactory: having to do with smellingReek: a very strong and unpleasant smellDisjointed: not connected, separated in piecesBabble: to talk in a way that does not make any sense or in an unclear wayConcentric: having the same center and moving around that center in circlesSolitary: alone, onlyLeapfrog: to jump over somethingScraggly: messy, not looking smartAshore: onto the landWobbly: moving back and forth in an unsteady wayBerth: spaceReluctantly: hesitating before you do something because you are not sure that it is the right thing to doArise: to move upwardHazily: in a way that is not clearCramp: a feeling of dull pain in your body“double over”: to collapse or fall down because of painCoated: covered withMisfortune: bad luck, something bad that happens to youVertigo: a feeling of dizziness and fear that happens when you look down from a very high placeBrake: to stop moving forwardGirth: the measurement around something, circumferenceGait: the way someone walksSparsely: only present in small amounts, not common or in abundanceIndelibly: in a way that is impossible to forget or removeBurrow: to dig a hole into somethingDiurnal: active during the day (opposite of nocturnal)Commuter: a person who travels to another placeEarnest: eager, enthusiastic, willing to do somethingSelf-consciously: in a way that you are very aware of yourselfDemurely: in a way that does not attract attention, shylyShortlived: not lasting a long time, short“to shy away”: to back up or retreat from somethingVagaries: changes in a person that are difficult to predict or control

Barge: to move forcefully into an areaVie: to compete with others to get somethingDesalinate: to remove the salt from somethingCorrode: to destroy something slowly“to weed out”: to eliminateSkulk: to move around secretly especially when you are going to do something badVengeance: the act of punishing or harming someone for something they have done to you in the past, revengeAccumulation: the act of collecting things, to get more and more of something over timeTangible: able to be touched or feltEuphoria: extreme happinessUnvarying: the same, not changingSteep: rising or falling very quickly; kutsetserekaBedlam: chaosQuicksand: a special type of sand that you sink inPerturb: to bother, to annoy“to teem with”: to be filled withSymbiotic: describes the relationship between two different living creatures that live close together and depend on each other in particular ways, each getting particular benefits from the otherIntegral: very important, crucial, vitalConjecture: a guess or estimateLeviathan: a very large and powerful thingHunch: an idea or instinct about something, a prediction or guessCopiously: abundantly, plentifully, amplyRoam: to move about freely, to wanderRake: to scratch or scrape somethingGouge: a large holeHoarse: sounding rough as if a person has a cough or sore throatRote: learning something by repeating it until you remember it rather than by understanding the meaning of itArtificial: not real or true, fake, manmadePliable: flexible, able to be bentOblige: to agree to do something, to be forced to do somethingLumber: to move in a slow and awkward wayNerve-racking: making you very nervousClumsily: in a way that is not graceful, stumbling aroundNocturnal: only occurring at nightBlur: a period of time that you cannot remember clearly“what is held in store for you”: what is going to happen to you in the futureConsternation: a worried and sad feelingDocile: able to be controlled, agreeableRuthlessly: cruelly, in a way that shows no sympathy or kindnessIndignant: annoyed, angryLaden: full of somethingStampede: to start running in a group in the same directionJostle: to bump or knock against something elseSnuggle: to move your body close to someone else’sChirp: to make a high pitched sound (usually made by a bird)Wedge: to move yourself in between two other things, to squeeze inSinister: evil or badRacket: commotion, a large amount of noise and chaosHullabaloo: commotion, noiseArboreal: related to treesUniformly: in a way that is similar to the other things aroundEquivalent: equal to something else, the sameDeprivation: the state of not having things that you want or needYearn: to want something very bad that you haven’t had in a long time, to desire strongly“to dawn upon you”: to suddenly realize something, to finally understandTurmoil: chaos, commotionSoothe: to calm someone down and make them feel betterSubterranean: below the earthTunnel: a passage or path built undergroundScraps: small pieces of somethingInhibit: to prevent or stop something from happeningAcidic: containing acid

Enamel: the hard white outer layer of a toothLeach: to remove from something

Chapter 93

Endurance: the ability to continue doing something even when facing challenges; chipiliroBereft: completely lacking something

Chapter 94

Deliverance: salvationImmeasurable: unable to be measuredBotch: to make a mistake and mess something upJumbled: mixed upRemorse: regret

Chapter 95

Maritime: related to the sea or ships“to shed light on something”: to make something clear or help people understandSurreptitiously: done secretly or quickly in the hopes that no one will notice what you are doingCannibalize: to take the parts of a machine, vehicle, etc. and use them to repair or build anotherExcerpt: a short or small part of something taken from the wholeVerbatim: word for word, exactly as spoken or writtenTranscript: a written copy of words that have been spokenClarity: the ability to think about or understand something clearly

Chapter 98

“to humour someone”: to agree with them

Chapter 99

Bluntly: in a very direct way without trying to be polite or kindBotanical: related to plantsVenus fly trap: a plant that eats flies (a carnivorous plant)Copernicus: a mathematician who proved that the earth moves around the sunDarwin: a scientist who developed the theories of natural selection and evolutionContradict: to say that something someone else has said is wrong or that the opposite is trueBotany: the study of plantsIdly: doing something in a lazy way like you are doing nothing at allPrecisely: exactlyDomestication: the process of training a wild animal to live with humansArrogance: pride, pomposityMetropolis: a very large cityHamlet: a villageStumble: to hit your foot against something while you are walking and almost fall downBelievability: the degree to which something can be believed or notConvenient: easy to do, not causing any problems or difficultyPest: something that bothers you, usually an animalForensic: connected to scientific evidenceImmobile: unable to move, paralyzedAmputated: cut off (usually an arm or leg)Tourniquet: a piece of cloth that is wrapped around an arm or leg to prevent blood loss from a woundAnaesthetic: a drug that is used to numb someone so they do not feel pain during an operationUnintelligible: unable to be understood, not clear“the whole point”: the purpose of somethingGorge: to eat way too much foodSneer: to show that you have no respect for somebody by the expression on your face or by the way you speak“brimming with tears”: when someone is brimming with tears, they are about to start cryingVulgarity: the quality of being rudeHeroic: like a heroOutrage: extreme anger or being very upset about something

Rapt: so interested in something that you do not pay attention to anything elseAbject: complete lack ofMortified: very embarrassedWillpower: the ability to control your actions and thoughts to achieve what you want to doCoarse: lacking manners, rudeBestial: like an animalChapped: dryRuthlessness: the quality of showing no mercyFathom: to imagineGrave: very seriousCompetent: able to do somethingBothersome: annoyingDebris: small pieces that remain after something has been destroyedSquall: a sudden and short storm

Chapter 100

Recall: to rememberInterrogation: an interview in which a person is asked a lot of questions about an accident or crime (usually by the police)Hull: the bottom part of a ship that goes under the waterBreach: an opening or holeImpressionistic: based on a small amount of evidenceMishap: a mistake or accidentUnverifiable: unable to be provenLicit: legalAside: a comment made to someone in a secret way